Returnable Receivers

I can see them wanting the H24 but not the others.  Take them all to a UPS/FedEx store and see if they will scan them in or not.

H23s (and earlier) have been non-returnable for years. The H24 should be the same, though the free return process might accept it.

Essentially anything pre-Genie should be non-returnable. The 3rd generation Genie (HR54), only model of Genie-2 (HS17), latest Mini Genie Clients (C61, C61W, C61K) and the last HD non-DVR (H25) should be the guaranteed returnable models. 

Most likely agent just gave general instructions without checking the exact models against the returnable list. Happens too often as more time spent on the call is less other customers to retain.

Thanks for the advice guys.

The nearest UPS/FedEx store is a little distance away so I'd like to avoid a trip if possible. I guess I can probably wait and see if they charge me. If they do, then send that receiver back 

Supposedly if you are more then 10 miles from a UPS/FedEx store they send a return kit to take to the post office.

With the new return process, if you are more than 10 miles away from a participating shipper they are supposed to use the old method of shipping a return kit (to you by FedEx, back to them by USPS; not UPS).

Keep boxes 2-3 months from cancel. Provided no bill or notice regarding return, recycle the boxes themselves. Access cards may be disposed of like you would a credit/debit card.

Of those models, only the H24 has the chance of being returnable. Everything older has been non-returnable for many years.

Recently my friend cancelled service (customer since 1994) with a non-SWM system and mostly outdated equipment. He received an email prompting him to return extremely old receivers to the FedEx/UPS store. These included an R16-300 (SDDVR that is eventually going to be a paperweight), an HR24-500, an H23-600 (outdated), and an H21 (also outdated).

I’m not sure why they are asking for such outdated receivers myself. Perhaps with the new co-owner they are starting to put the responsibility on themselves to recycle equipment responsibly.

A post made by me on DBSTalk presents this view from other posters as well (weird happenings):

https://www.dbstalk.com/threads/how-crazy-has-directv-gotten-with-returns.232320/

@detuch254 

They really listed the R16 for return? I know like the D12 that was compatible to be used on SWM (but also not MRV/Whole Home DVR), but those are SD-only boxes that can never be used again. Though wished they would allow reacivation of R22s as those are HD capable in the right setup.

If they are handling recycling, that is great. But would be nice if they clearly communicated what is going on.

@Juniper 

agreed. My only guess would be that they are finally taking receivers free of charge at the FedEx/UPS store and putting it on themselves to properly dispose of the equipment. Whether this be due to cut down on people trying to put boxes on eBay or just to help the environment in general, that’s always a good thing.